By Marie Louise Principe
Chiba, Japan, September 16, 2021 – Iran increased their chances of defending the title with their 3-0 win (25-19, 25-18, 25-20) against Korea in the Quarterfinal Stage – Pool F of the 21st Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship. Thursday afternoon’s match at the Chiba Port Arena gives Iran their fourth straight win in the competition.
Saber Kazemi (13 points), Meisam Salehi (12 points), and Milad Ebadipour Ghara (11 points) helped the titleholders toward the victory which could potentially place them within the Final Four circle.
Iran opposite Kazemi set the tone for the first set, unleashing service winners, and performing well from his favored spot at right side. Setter Javad Karimi also effectively ran the middle attack on Aliasghar Mojarad and Amir Hossein Toukteh.
Korea’s crown jewel continued to be Han Kukmin, who exploded from the right flank. However, they needed to find various ways in order to outplay their opponents.
Iran maintained their momentum and took the first set at 25-19.
In the second set, Korea endeavored to play with more composure, to run their plays more seamlessly. To fulfill this, they needed to pass the ball better as their opponents were unleashing aggressive serves. Lee Siwoo tried to provide the firepower from the left side. Jeong Seonghwan activated the middle attack.
Over at Iran’s side, captain Ebadipour and Salehi were set for the wing attacks. They continued to serve and play well on attack, even when coach Ataei Nouri Behrouz called upon his substitute players, to gain 25-18 in the second set.
Iran’s bench showed depth and talent in the third set. Ali Ramezani was setting up the plays, while Amin Esmaelinezhad was handling his task rather well from the right side.
Korea’s Geum Taeyong and Kim Jihan went on to handle the wing attack, but the defending champions had mounted a sufficient lead throughout.
Ebadipour poured in the final hit, to read 25-20 for Iran’s victory in straight sets.
The three-time titleholders Iran return to the Chiba Port Arena on Friday, as they battle against Chinese Taipei at 15:00 local time. Korea will meet Pakistan in the first match at 09:30 local time.
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